The Bruins have taken the first step toward retaining winger Brad Marchand.

General manager Peter Chiarelli said tonight that he has qualified the potential restricted free agent, which means the Bruins hold the right of first refusal should Marchand receive an offer sheet from another club.

Although offer sheets are rare, Marchand might be a popular player when the free-agent market opens July 1 because everyone wants to make life difficult on the Stanley Cup champions salary cap-wise, and because he scored 21 goals as a rookie (plus 11 more in the postseason).

I would have no problem at all going over 3 to keep him. I think the organization wouldn’t either.

I do wonder what Marchand’s goal totals would look like if he had started the season on Bergeron’s wing rather than the 4th line. He clearly can score, and I love how good he is along the boards-he sometimes seems to just dance around defensemen and come away with the puck.

I wouldn’t be shocked if they don’t announce a deal within the next week. I figure it will be a 3 year for around 3 million give or take a few points.

MCK,
I would think that’s the upper end of Marchand’s range. He still hasn’t proven he can score 30 in 82 nor has he proven he wasn’t a 1 season wonder. However, he was clutch in the playoffs, so I would think Marchand might sign for 2.8 to your suggested 3.3. Also might be closer to 3.3 because of likelihood larger contracts will be offered because of cap increase.

Brad Marchand is one of the hardest-working and emotionally-charged players on the Bruins. He came through in the clutch in Game #6 against the Canucks by scoring the all-imporant first goal, and he had a monster Game #7 with two goals. He also hit the post with another shot. The Bruins need him. I would not like to see him leave.